Anaesthetic failure for ERCP

Thank you all.
Well, over 3 months have passed and the consultant has agreed to give me a GA when the stent is removed. But I’ve had to chase and be persistent which has added to the stress. I haven’t wanted any compensation, just to know it is less likely to happen to others. The stent should have been removed over a month ago so I hope there will be no ill effects because of the delay. This morning I received the official response to my complaint and, as I had been warned, they have expressed sympathy but claim that there is no “qualifying liability’. They say that the effectiveness of sedation can vary from person to person and that the surgeon is confident that the medication was administered correctly and that the cannula must have moved afterwards, before the nurse attached the paracetamol drip. Of course, I can’t prove otherwise. However, I hope that with a GA I won’t feel anything!

When I had my 2nd C section by GA 42 years ago I felt the incision,fortunately the anaesthetic worked after that.
I still feel and remember the horrible pain.

I woke up during an operation and felt everything, I was in agony, it was many years ago, I couldn't move it or say anything, when I was able I complained about it and was told I had imagined it. After that I wouldn't have another procedure until I needed a Hysterectomy urgently, I paid private and told the anaesthetist how scared I was and what had happened and I knew I would die, he went through with me what had happened what I remembered of the procedure and believed me, he promised it would not happen this time. It didn’t but I woke up immediately after the op, most people sleep for a time. I had complications and was very ill, but I recovered.
BBG make sure you get help, see a representative from the hospital put in a complaint, but you need that operation, what happened was negligence but you need reassurance before tge procedure to ensure that can’t happen again. What happened to me was forty years ago and things were different, I was fobbed off and treated as if I was imagining it, these days there's people there in situ in hospital to raise your fears with, do it now so you are ready for that next vital op. They already know a big mistake was made and you are believed they dare not risk that happening twice.
I never have told anyone about it just my husband, as the didn’t hospital believe me I thought no one else would. I am only doing it now on here as no one knows me and I want you to know someone else felt as you did.

My dd was having an emergency caesarian section with epidural and when the incision was made she screamed. My sil was present. She was immediately given a general anaesthetic.

These stories are terrible. It’s traumatising just reading them. BluebellGran and BlueBelle and SueRosie I’m amazed that you have been able to go back to the hospital and have further treatment. All of you are very brave ladies.

A friend of mine had a procedure done; something to do with her heart, not sure what, and the anaesthetic didn’t work. She’s still traumatised by it.

I don’t know what ERCP is ???
However last year I had a cateract operation where the anesthetic didn’t work and I felt everything, for half an hour, I was telling the surgeon who took no notice at all and carried on his merry way I couldn’t move as I was prone on my back with a clothe over my face and I didn’t dare move while he had whatever weapon he had in my eye

I did complain to a number of different people afterwards and was so scared to have the other eye done a month later but they promised a different surgeon and they would be extra, extra careful and true enough I didn’t feel a thing te second time

Hello. I am a retired nurse who has had this procedure several times. I must admit it is not exactly pleasant at the best of times . If you want to make a complaint be reassured that contacting PALS will not have any negative implications on your care. You could also contact your consultants secretary, añd see if it would be possible to speak to him. You can have the procedure under a medication called Propofol and you would be out of it, and not remember anything. I always ask for this, as my first time I woke up during the procedure, and was too scared to have it done again. Try not to be worry. I would advise speaking to your doctor and asking if be you can have the procedure under Propofol, and due to your experience can they please ensure that the medication has taken effect. All the best.

Your son is correct! That is unacceptable and unbelievable - no doubt the medics will play it down. Reading between the lines I can judge how traumatized you are, the pain must have been dreadful. Surely you are entitled to a GA! You must be terrified of a repeat performance. Thing the NHS organization that deals with complaints is called PALS - Not sure about it though and they will probably make it difficult for you to complain. A solicitor may be your answer if you are to receive justice / compensation - but may well be expensive!! Please let us know how this progresses. You have been very badly treated , sheer negligence - the episode in recovery adds insult to injury. I wish you well.

Thank you Travelsafar. I’ve made a doctor’s appointment for this afternoon to ask for something to help me sleep and will show him/her a copy of this post. I’ll ask who I need to speak to at the hospital. My son is all for speaking to a lawyer!

Is there a group at the hospital that deal with patient complaints. I would strongly advise you contact them for help and advise. Imagine a child going through this they would be traumatised for life!!!